Staff photo by John SuchockiArcor Laser Services is building a 12,000-square-foot facility, background, in the Mach One Industrial Park in Suffield

The northern Connecticut towns of Enfield, Somers and Suffield are starting to see more positive signs of increased economic development in their communities.

Upswings in development in the tail end of 2010 have town officials believing further progression in 2011 is likely.

New statistics from the Connecticut Department of Labor show steady growth in the labor market, with the Enfield area labor market showing the biggest increase in jobs percentage in the state in November 2010.

Raymond Warren, director of economic development and development services for Enfield, says his town is showing other positive signs of economic recovery.

“Our Building Department is issuing building permits at a very rapid rate - that is worth watching,” he said. “We issued more permits (in 2010) by the end of October than we did in all of (2009).”

One of the largest economic development projects taking place in Enfield right now is a $20 million expansion by Eppendorf Manufacturing, a biotechnology company. The expansion will include an additional 90 to 100 jobs.

“They are consolidating operations in Enfield and bringing in new jobs in accounting, IT, (human resources) and assembly work,” Warren said. “That’s a significant bright spot for us that’s very encouraging.”

Toymaker LEGO is also working on a $7 million expansion, after reclaiming about 75,000 square feet of space the company had vacated a few years ago.

Enfield is seeing strong reinvestment in several retail locations as well, Warren said, citing a $1 million renovation at Kohl’s department store and another $1 million project at Target. Recently opened stores include Aldi’s grocery store and P.C. Richard & Son electronics and appliance store in the former Circuit City space.

Meanwhile, Hartford Hospital has opened a $6 million medical office center on Hazard Avenue.

Staff photo by John Suchocki

Looking forward into 2011, Warren says he’s encouraged by the movement of the federal and state governments on the commuter rail line and new train station in Enfield that is planned as part of the effort.

“There are a number of recent investments and positive trends going forward that are encouraging us through difficult times,” he said.

In Suffield, economic development director Patrick McMahon says despite the sluggish economy, 2010 was marked by several successes, many focused on the industrial areas around Bradley International Airport.

Meanwhile, Arcor Laser Services is building a 12,000-square-foot facility in the Mach One Industrial Park.

“It’s very exciting,” McMahon said. “It’s wonderful to have any buildings going up in the current economic climate. I see it as a very good sign for Suffield.”

McMahon said the Bradley Airport Development Zone, recently created by the Connecticut General Assembly, allows for incentives such as tax abatements and credits for qualifying businesses who locate by the airport.

“Looking forward, we’re going to continue to work on how that zone is going to work, and what the administration of it is going to be,” he said. “Having Bradley there is a good attraction (for new businesses); we have the available land at attractively priced rates.”

Closer to the center of town, a historic house at 82 North Main St. is being transformed into the Bissell Inn. When complete, the senior housing complex will have 25 apartments within walking distance of amenities such as a grocery store, a bank, library and restaurants.

McMahon is fairly optimistic about 2011.

“Many parties, during the downturn, were out there looking for available land; they’ve just kept their money on the sidelines,” he said. “As the economy improves, that money will start to get invested again.”

In the quiet town of Somers, the major Somersville streetscape project is moving forward. With the help of two Small Town Economic Assistance Program grants, the town has been able to update project drawings and open up the bids on the project, according to First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini.

The streetscape makeover will include new lighting, cobblestone walkways, landscaping, greenbelts and trees, running down Main Street-Route 190 and looping around to School Street.

The Somersville mill was sold at the town’s “tax sale,” and Pellegrini said the new owner is expected to take possession of the property in March. There is a possibility that the structure will be transformed into condominiums.

“The owner didn’t pay taxes on it for the last two years, and it was in a lot of disrepair,” Pellegrini said. “It’s an eyesore, and it’s just sitting there. It’s a wonderful opportunity now that we’re doing the streetscape; the town will be working with the new owner to try to redevelop that.”

Other properties under redevelopment plans include 19 Field Road and 58-60 Springfield Road, which Pellegrini said she would like to see back on the town’s tax rolls.

“It looks like it’s going to be a very exciting time, with lots of opportunity,” Pellegrini said. 